Rajeev Sharma
Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, September 30
Ever wondered how and why the street demonstrations in Pakistan against the military government’s decision to support American action against Afghanistan have thinned down in past one week ?
For those who are wondering about it, here is a possible explanation: Pakistan’s military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf has paid the price of silence of the mullahs.
According to well-placed sources here, General Musharraf met three important Islamic leaders separately on September 23 and 24: Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islami (F) chief Fazal-ur-Rehman, JUI (S) leader Sami-ur-Haq and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi Nissar Ahmad.
Sources said General Musharraf struck a deal with them for keeping a low profile on street demonstrations against his regime’s decision to back America in its war against terrorism (read Afghanistan).
The mullahs, sources said, were bought over with hefty sums of money. They agreed to stop all street demonstrations and speeches against Pakistani support to the Americans. As a result of this, there has been a marked decrease in anti-government street demonstrations in Pakistani cities like Peshawar and Quetta since September 25.
As the word of the deal between General Musharraf and the clerics spread, smaller organisations in Peshawar, Quetta and Pakistan occupied Kashmir also demanded their share for their silence.
However, the Musharraf regime has ignored these organisations, dubbing them as inconsequential. This may lead to the spurned organisations going all out and hold another powerful street demonstration to prove their worth.
